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Music Interview: David Arn

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We were fortunate enough to catch up with musician David Arn following the superb release, ‘Watershed’. Read our full interview below.

Hi David, thank you for talking with us. What is your earliest music memory?

My grandfather played the piano professionally in an orchestra. When I was very young, I can recall marvelling at him playing a novelty piece Zez Confrey’s ‘Kitten on the Keys’.

How did you get into the music industry?

I have always been involved with writing in some way outside of music. When I was younger, I had played in guitar bands. I started writing music about ten years ago and, during that time, produced four albums. It seemed like a good marriage.

Who influenced your latest release, ‘Watershed’?

‘Watershed’ is the title song from the new album. It deals with a soldier’s PTSD, Anguish and Hope. It is a song written for a friend. If you are of a certain age, you have seen war and most likely know those for whom the war never really ended. It is a subject I have wanted to explore musically for some time. We are talking about people who served our country, returned to civilian life and then years, even decades later, a triggering event puts them right back into the war.

‘Watershed’

What draws you to the Americana genre?

Poetic lyrics and storytelling are what I strive to do best. My goal is to get the listener to focus on the words. For me, Folk and Americana styles seem to lend themselves best to this goal. If I lean into a rock version, the focus is then placed on the groove and the guitar solo. A softer acoustic is what you’ll find on the “Watershed” album.

You are based in Maryland; what’s the music scene like there?

I have only been in Maryland a short while, and a large part of that has been during the pandemic. That being said, I have heard some excellent solo acoustic acts at local venues. I’m close to DC, and Philly is not that far, so there are more great shows to choose from than money.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I’d like to collaborate with Beck. I’ll bring the lyrics; he can bring the genius of his music style.

Other than music, what are you passionate about?

I am passionate about literature. That is my background. Over the years, I have put together a collection of Mark Twain’s first editions that includes signed material and a first edition of every book Twain wrote.

What changes would you like to see in the music business?

It is not a level playing field. Perhaps it never was, but the labels seem to have it all sewn up using their big money for questionable manipulation. I try not to dwell on it.

What is your favourite song to play live?

Dylan’s ‘It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry’. I love playing that song on the piano. When I am practising, that is a song I go to warm up.